October 19, 2016 — IBA (Ion Beam Applications SA) and Philips announced in September the launch of a dedicated patient-centric Ambient Experience solution for the proton therapy gantry of IBA’s Proteus Plus proton therapy solution. The announcement makes the Philips solution now available for both Proteus One and Proteus Plus.
Designed and engineered by Philips, Ambient Experience is an interactive, patient-focused healthcare environment that uses modern technology and people-centric design to create a more comfortable and soothing experience for patients and staff, helping to improve workflows and increase operational effectiveness. Implemented in IBA’s proton therapy gantries, patients are able to select their preferred theme, light, sound and video prior to undergoing treatment. By enhancing the clinical environment, Philips’ Ambient Experience improves patient comfort and staff experience and satisfaction. In 2014, Philips received an international Red Dot Award for product design for its dedicated Proteus One Ambient Experience solution.
The new Ambient Experience development is part of a broader collaboration between the two companies that also includes the joint marketing and sales of IBA’s proton therapy solutions and Philips’ imaging and clinical informatics solutions.
"The Philips Ambient Experience is one of the many differentiators of the Proteus One solution,” said Lane Rosen, M.D., at Willis-Knighton Cancer Center in Shreveport, La., the first IBA center to use Philips Ambient Experience. “Patients have the ability to change their color themes, music and video. Our patients enjoy the experience as it helps them to relax during treatment and remain still. The Ambient Experience atmosphere is calming for the staff as well as the therapist for this most meticulous of treatments."
"Cancer treatment can be a frightening experience, so making the environment as pleasant as possible is essential to reduce stress,” said Prof. Karol Sikora, chief medical officer of U.K.-based Proton Partners International, which is currently building three proton therapy centers. “We believe lighting, design and music will help to create a relaxing and soothing experience. And it will make our staff more relaxed too, by creating an atmosphere of greater empathy. We look forward to operating our first center with Philips Ambient Experience next year in Newport, Wales."
In 2016, IBA and Philips plan to equip four additional rooms in the United States: three Proteus Plus rooms in the Miami Cancer Institute, and one Proteus One at the Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Mich. In addition, Philips and IBA have a pipeline of rooms to be equipped with Philips Ambient Experience features in the U.K., Middle East, U.S. and Taiwan.
For more information: www.iba-worldwide.com, www.usa.philips.com/healthcare